SWARM OF LOCUSTS

Waipa Post, Volume 43, Issue 3354, 29 September 1931, Page 5

SWARM OF LOCUSTS

EAST AFRICA VISITATION. In writing from .Kenya Colony (East Africa), a Maorilander, in a letter just received at Kawhia, refers to the fact that the world-wide depression has made its appearance in that vast territory. To' add to the dilemma an infestation of locusts has put in an unmistakable appearance, which, the writer considers, will just about knock things out altogether-. It is indeed a great sight to see a swarml of locusts. Small swarms have flown across Nairobi—at least I (though ithey were large until I saw the one the other afternoon. The locusts reached Nairobi at 3 oclock and at 6 o'clock the swarm was still passing. It was miles wide and hundreds of feet thick. They flew about 20 feet from the ground and when underneath them one cannot see the sun. They settled for the night on the plains. Some times they settle on trees and the weight of them — millions to a tree—snap the tree off as if it were a carrot. It is nothing to see a tree a foot thick so treated. A field of maize, 6ft high, is devoured in a couple of hours. When seen approaching in the distance it is at first impossible to realise that the vast cloud is composed of flying insects, and that it is not miles of thick smoke. This visitation will mean utter ruin to many in this Colony, coming as it did right on the top of our other troubles.